Storage Rotherhithe Health and Safety Policy
Storage Rotherhithe is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements that support safe storage, handling and removals activities across our operations.
We recognise that storage facilities and removal services involve manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment and access to warehouse areas. We aim to manage these activities so that risks are controlled, accidents are prevented and everyone understands their responsibilities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all storage and removal services in a way that prevents injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to business. Health and safety is integral to the way we plan, manage and deliver our services.
To achieve this, Storage Rotherhithe will:
Identify, assess and control risks arising from our storage and removal operations.
Provide and maintain safe premises, access routes and storage areas.
Ensure safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and stacking goods.
Supply and maintain suitable equipment, including handling aids and personal protective equipment where required.
Provide information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees are competent in their roles.
Consult with employees and, where appropriate, customers and contractors on health and safety matters.
Monitor health and safety performance and review this policy periodically to support continuous improvement.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Rotherhithe has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented and maintained.
Managers will:
Lead by example in following safe working practices.
Allocate adequate resources to manage health and safety in storage units, loading areas and vehicles.
Ensure risk assessments are carried out and kept up to date for all key tasks, including removals work, use of trolleys and pallet equipment, and work at height for shelving or mezzanine access where applicable.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, taking corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Ensure that contractors working on site comply with this policy and any site rules provided.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has an important role in maintaining safe operations at Storage Rotherhithe. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all site rules, training guidance, safe systems of work and instructions from supervisors.
Use equipment and vehicles only when authorised and trained to do so.
Use any personal protective equipment supplied and take care of it.
Report hazards, defects, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses promptly so that action can be taken.
Cooperate fully with any investigation, inspection or audit relating to health and safety.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors to Storage Rotherhithe also play a part in maintaining a safe environment. We expect all non-employees on site to:
Follow the safety information, signs and guidance provided at reception, in storage areas and in loading bays.
Park only in designated areas and take care when driving or walking near moving vehicles.
Handle and stack their goods safely, keeping aisles, fire exits and doors clear at all times.
Refrain from storing prohibited or hazardous items and inform our staff if they are unsure about any goods.
Supervise children and vulnerable persons at all times within the facility.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for storage operations, including receipt of goods, loading and unloading vehicles, use of handling equipment and customer access to units. Control measures are put in place and reviewed regularly, especially where removal services or heavy or awkward loads are involved.
Safe systems of work will cover, as appropriate:
Manual handling techniques, team lifts and use of mechanical aids.
Safe use of trolleys, dollies and other handling equipment.
Vehicle and pedestrian segregation in loading and parking areas.
Housekeeping standards to keep walkways clear and floors in a safe condition.
Secure stacking and storage of goods to prevent collapse or falling items.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Rotherhithe provides suitable training and supervision so that employees can carry out their tasks safely and confidently. This includes:
Induction training covering site rules, emergency procedures and key risks.
Task-specific training for staff engaged in removals, loading and unloading, or operating handling equipment.
Refresher training when procedures change, new equipment is introduced or when a need is identified.
Access to written information and instructions that clearly set out safe working arrangements.
Equipment, Maintenance and Housekeeping
All equipment used in storage and removal activities is selected and maintained with safety in mind. We will:
Inspect and maintain handling equipment, tools and fittings at appropriate intervals.
Remove defective equipment from use until it is repaired or replaced.
Maintain good housekeeping throughout storage and loading areas, ensuring that corridors, stairs and exits remain clear.
Manage waste and recyclable materials so that they do not cause obstruction or fire risk.
Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety
Emergency procedures are in place to protect people in the event of fire, spillages or other incidents. Storage Rotherhithe will:
Provide clearly marked emergency exits and keep them unobstructed at all times.
Display fire action notices and ensure that fire alarm points and extinguishers are accessible.
Carry out regular checks and tests of alarms and emergency equipment where required.
Ensure that staff are aware of evacuation routes, assembly areas and their duties during an emergency.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Availability
We regularly monitor compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through inspections, incident reviews and feedback from employees and customers. Where improvements are identified, we will update our procedures and communicate changes promptly.
This policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, facilities or services. A current copy is available to employees, contractors, customers and visitors on request at our reception or office.
By working together, Storage Rotherhithe aims to ensure that our storage facilities and removal services remain safe, efficient and well managed for everyone who uses or works within them.
